Dad caught speeding at 80mph in 30mph-zone while racing home to sick daughter is spared lengthy ban

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Ricky Bunting was snapped by a speed camera doing almost 80mph in a 30mph zone while he was racing home to get to his sick daughter who had stopped breathing

The 23-year-old had been alerted to his child’s condition by his girlfriend who had called him and told him little Ava had turned blue, Rotherham Magistrates Court heard.
He then rushed the lifeless two-month old to hospital in his van where she was diagnosed with severe bronchitis.

She made a full recovery after treatment, although she has been in and out of hospital since with breathing problems.

Ricky, from Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to the speeding offence in May last year

Magistrates were told the speed would usually warrant an automatic and lengthy disqualification.
They added it was well over sentencing guidelines for speeding offences.

Phil Jones, mitigating, said Ava's condition was not a special reason for discretion over a banning order as it wasn't a medical emergency as defined in law.

Mr Jones asked magistrates to ban Mr Bunting for two weeks while he was one holiday from working, meaning he would not lose his job.

But he added: “It explains why he was driving so quick, but doesn't excuse it.
“yes, he was driving extremely quickly, yes it is unacceptable and should be punished and if you were to impose such a disqualification he could remain in employment.”

Magistrates told Bunting it was a “very dangerous” speed.
He was handed a £400 fine with £85 costs.
He also received a two week ban from driving.

After the hearing Ricky said: “Everyone's doing fine now and it's a relief not to be banned for longer and risk losing my job.”